Tag: msu

Job of The Week: Pharmacy Technician I

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This week, MSU Human Resources is featuring a job posting for a Pharmacy Technician I for MSU Health Care Clinical Services (job posting 983065). If you are interested in assisting pharmacists in various tasks, this may be the position for you.

From joint ventures and partnerships to leveraging expansive clinical research and expert educational strengths for patients, MSU Health Care focuses on providing healing and caring to all. MSU Health Care spans 46 adult and pediatric specialties committed to high-quality patient care. Their missions are to deliver a personalized experience and a safe environment for all, train the next generation of clinicians, ensure equitable access, and offer the highest quality of care. MSU Health Care remains dedicated to providing an exceptional experience and enhancing life. 

In this position, you will be primarily responsible for assisting pharmacists in patient pharmaceutical care through billing, receiving, and preparing prescriptions for pharmacists to review. Additionally, you will provide patient assistance at the point of sale and perform other technical functions to support operations in the pharmacy. This job also requires significant physical effort and involves standing, lifting boxes, bending, and reaching for items. 

The education, experience, and skills required for this role include knowledge typically acquired from specialized training in a pharmacy technician program and six months to one year of similar work experience in a pharmacy setting, including computer and math skills. This role also requires a current State of Michigan Pharmacy Technician license and certification as a Certified Pharmacy Technician. 

Desired qualifications include a work history in a retail pharmacy setting, excellent customer service skills, great written and verbal communication skills, and a vaccine administration certificate. 

Learn more about MSU Health Care here.  To learn more about this position or apply, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a resume and cover letter and should be submitted by April 8.

April Events Round-Up

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If you and your family are looking for events in April, you have come to the right place! April holds many opportunities on campus and in the Greater Lansing area for you to check out. Visit the links below to explore upcoming events and register if required.

Campus Events

April 4 – RCPD Annual Awards and Appreciation Reception:  Each year, the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities hosts an annual awards and appreciation reception to honor the outstanding achievements of scholarship recipients, exceptional faculty and staff, and generous donors supporting the RCPD mission.

April 5 – Family Day: CREATE: The First Saturday of the month means Family Day at the MSU Broad Art Museum, and this month, you and your family have the opportunity to celebrate young artists with hands-on and interactive fun for all. 

April 8 – 13 – Chicago: Chicago is a Broadway classic that has it all: a story of fame and fortune with unforgettable music and dance and a battle for the spotlight. With over 27 years on Broadway, 10,000+ performances, 6 Tony Awards, 2 Olivier Awards, and a Grammy, this show, appearing at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, is not one to miss! 

April 12 – Museum Tour: Deep-Rooted with Beal Botanical Garden: Join Applied Ethnobotanist and Education Director of the Beal Botanical Gardens Maeve Bassett to learn about the social, historical, and political narratives within plants in the garden and artwork in the MSU Broad Art Collection. 

April 12-13 – The MSU Student Horticulture Association Annual Spring Show and Plant Sale: The Spring Show is the MSU Student Horticulture Association’s biggest event of the year! It’s a part indoor garden show and part plant sale, with a different theme every year. It’s perfect for plant lovers, those who are looking for cool garden ideas, or those who would like a small vacation from the cool grayness that is Michigan in early spring.

April 16 – Finals Flex Midday Movement: Stop by the MSU Main Library to wind down from the school year and de-stress. Bring a mat or a towel, and get ready for breathing, stretching, and mobilizing exercises. 

April 18 – Night at the Museum: Discover the journey of your food through hands-on art and science activities at the MSU Broad Art Museum! This event is partnered with themes presented in the Farmland exhibition and explores the questions of food knowledge, security, and justice against the background of MSU’s 170-year history in agricultural tradition. 

April 21 – Rest With Music: Visit the Abrams Planetarium for our once-a-month Rest with Music session. Music is powerful and can heal the mind, calm the body, and regenerate our mind, body, and spirit. Stop by for 40 minutes of healing, relaxation, and peacefulness for a small break from your busy work week.

April 24 – Take Your Child to Work Day: MSU employees are encouraged to bring their child or a special child in their life to work on Thursday, April 24th! Take Your Child to Work Day is open to all MSU faculty, staff, students, and community and highlights the university’s support for employees. MSU units and departments will have events aimed towards kids aged eight to sixteen, but all ages are welcome. Be sure to sign up and confirm your participation here. 

Learning Opportunities

Recurring Tuesdays – Grief and Loss Support Sessions: If you are a part of the Spartan community and have experienced the loss of a loved one, pet, friend, co-worker, neighbor, or other, we invite you to join us for an online MSU grief and loss support session. Via Zoom, learn some skills and strategies to help you move through your grief process with more ease. 

April 1, 8, 15, and 22 – Navigating Hard Times with Empathy and Self-Compassion: This Zoom session is here to help give you tips and tricks to show up for your coworkers with love and compassion in tough times. Learn what high-quality self-care can look like and how self-compassion can help our healing process. 

April 9 – 12 – 18th Annual Muslim Studies Program Conference:  Join the MSU Broad Art Museum, the MSU Muslim Studies Program, and the Association for Modern + Contemporary Art of the Arab World, Iran, and Turkey (AMCA) to learn more about solidarity and Arab American art histories at this three-day online webinar. 

April 10 and 24 – Deepening Your Essential Skills:  If you have completed a course by Spartan Resilience Education, you are eligible to continue learning at this webinar. Here, you can ask questions, raise topics, and build community with your peers. 

April 11 – Teaching and Learning with ADHD: Hosted by the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the College of Natural Science, and the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation, this seminar teaches strategies for addressing the unique challenges of ADHD in academia.

April 16 and 17 – Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue: This course teaches techniques that allow you to learn how to understand different opinions, find mutual respect, and work openly through disagreements. You will also learn ways to help foster inclusivity, psychological safety, and inclusion in this two-day course. 

April 22 – Building Cohesive Teams: Learn methods crucial to building collaboration within a team and skills for influencing team performance at HR’s Building Cohesive Teams course. Discover strategies to establish positive day-to-day collaboration and team awareness and cultivate trustworthiness in the workplace. 

April 24 – Strategic Planning: Learn how to move from ideas to actions in the workplace and gain a foundational base for implementing strategic planning in a unit in this workshop.  

April 29 – Introduction to Gender, Names, and Pronouns:  Check out this course to learn more about how to practice gender inclusivity with students and staff at MSU. 

Greater Lansing Area Events

Throughout April – MSU Science Festival: Let your curiosity take flight at the 13th annual MSU Science Festival! Visit the official website to view the 200 plus events that will be held!

April 1, 2, 5, and 6 – Puppy Yoga: Join Canines for Change for an adorable Puppy Yoga session the first week of April! Support the mission to train service and facility dogs, connect with adorable puppies and move your body.

April 5 and 19 –  Contra and Square Dance: All dances are taught, and no partner is needed at the Contra and Square Dance class. Wear loose clothes and comfortable shoes, and be prepared to have a good time! Stop by for a quick and fun dance lesson!

Family-Friendly Events

April 11 – Sensory-Friendly Night at Harris Nature Center: Harris Nature Center invites families and those with sensory processing needs to a special after-hours evening event. Friendly staff will have the building open and exhibits altered to reduce sounds and lighting. The center will also provide a quiet room and have sensory kits on hand. 

April 19 – Easter Egg Hunt on the Capitol Lawn and Bunny Hop on the Square: Join Downtown Lansing for the 61st Annual Easter Egg Hunt on the Capitol Lawn and the Bunny Hop on the Square. From events like Egg Scramble to collecting candy and dancing, there is something for the whole family. Street parking is free in Downtown Lansing on Saturdays, and local businesses will be open and have a variety of deals and promotions during the event. 

April 19 – Butterfly Day: Come visit the Indoor 4-H Children’s Garden to celebrate another beautiful season of “Butterflies in the Garden.” Here, you will discover the incredible butterfly life-cycle, create butterfly gardens to take home, and more. 

April 27 – Kanin Wren’s Taylor Swift Experience: Visit Grewal Hall for a Swiftie party like no other! Immerse yourself in the world of Taylor Swift with live music, photo opportunities, and more for all ages. 

Farmers Markets

Recurring Saturdays – Holt Farmers Market: Visit the Delhi Township Fire Department for one of Michigan’s premiere indoor farmers markets. The Holt Farmers market serves as a space to support local farmers and food growers, local artisans, and provide locals the opportunity to purchase wholesome, locally produced foods. 

Every Other Saturday – Meridian Farmers Market: Visit the Meridian Farmers Market inside the Meridian Mall! The market vendors offer farm, food, and crafts, and a majority of the products sold are locally grown or made.

Job of The Week: Assistant Director of Development for the Wharton Center

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This week, MSU Human Resources is featuring a job posting as an Assistant Director of Development/Development Officer I at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts (job posting 1009295). If you have a passion for the arts, success in fundraising, and are interested in making philanthropic connections, this may be the role for you. 

The Wharton Center for Performing Arts, celebrating its 42nd season, was founded with the intent to enrich the lives of Michigan residents through art, music, and entertainment. The Wharton Center engages the community through dynamic programming, outreach, and education, and has a mission of making life more meaningful through experiencing performing arts. 

In this position, you will focus on significant contact with prospects whose philanthropic capacity is between $10,000 and $100,000 and more. Additionally, you will manage a portfolio of 80 major donor prospects and average 12 to 15 strategic contacts per month. Your position will help result in greater engagement and movement toward major gift solicitation at an expected rate of 2 to 3 solicitations per month. You will work in coordination with University Advancement and tend to the needs of the Wharton Center verbally and in writing to better facilitate giving, enhance cross-collaboration amongst departments at Wharton Center and within Michigan State University, and maintain accurate donor/prospect records in the Ascend system. As Assistant Director, you will act as a public goodwill ambassador for MSU and the Wharton Center, prepare annual fundraising goals, and attend workshops and seminars to enhance professional development. Find a complete list of job duties on the MSU Careers website.

The education, experience, and skills required for this role include a degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or Business, and one to three years of related work experience in professional fundraising, higher education fundraising, marketing, or similar. 

Desired qualifications include a strong ability to work collaboratively and individually, a demonstrated track record of financial development, excellent written and verbal skills, and strong interpersonal skills. You should also be available to manage some travel and work some nights and weekends as performance and donor schedules change throughout the events season. 

Learn more about the Wharton Center for Performing Arts here. To learn more about this position or apply, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a resume and cover letter and should be submitted by April 21.

Don’t Wait to Create a Retirement Savings Plan

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We are committed to helping our employees prepare for a successful retirement by offering several retirement savings plan options, along with tools and resources to help you reach your goals.

Most benefit-eligible employees are enrolled in the 403(b) Base Retirement Program, which consists of a 5% employee contribution of your eligible compensation and a generous university matching contribution of 10%. That’s an immediate two-for-one match of your investment for a total contribution of 15%. While this provides a great foundation, you may want to consider additional savings options. MSU also offers two additional savings accounts: the 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Program and the 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan. For more information about these two accounts, read Your Top Questions about MSU’s Optional Retirement Plan Options.

How to Make a Retirement Savings Plan

It’s normal to have many questions when you start to plan for your retirement:

  • How early should I start planning?
  • How much do I need to save to retire comfortably?
  • Which plan(s) should I contribute to?
  • What can I do to maximize my savings?
  • Are my retirement goals attainable?

The answers will depend on your financial situation and retirement goals. We strongly encourage all MSU employees to make an appointment with their retirement vendor – Fidelity or TIAA – to discuss their options and develop a personalized savings plan. Fidelity and TIAA are financial professionals who can provide helpful strategies, tips, and actionable steps that can help you take charge of your finances.

Additionally, both Fidelity and TIAA have numerous resources – including articles, webinars, interactive tools, and more – to help you learn about saving for retirement and other financial goals.

Don’t Wait to Save: The Power of Compounding Interest

For younger MSU employees, creating a comprehensive retirement savings plan may not be a top priority. Between student loans, rent, childcare, and more, it can be difficult to set aside money for a day 30 to 40 years in the future. But the young have a huge advantage when it comes to saving money for retirement: more time. This additional time allows them to potentially benefit the most from compounding interest, which may lead to greater savings down the road.

Compounding interest basically means allowing an investment to earn money while continually reinvesting those earnings over time. The more time you have, the smaller your original investment may need to be. In the hypothetical example below, a 25-year-old starts saving $5,000 annually ($416 per month), and a 40-year-old starts saving twice as much but waits until age 40 ($833 per month).

Compounding Interest Graph

The 25-year-old ends up contributing less money over time – $200,000 versus $250,000 – but ends up with a higher balance: $798,735 versus $566,317. In other words, the 25-year-old contributes $50,000 less but ends up with $232,000 more than the 40-year-old who waited to save. As this example shows, younger investors may benefit from saving as much as possible as soon as possible.

If your retirement date is a bit closer, you can still take advantage of compounding interest. However, you may need to increase your monthly contributions to meet your retirement savings goals. Luckily, the IRS allows people who are aged 50 years or older to contribute an additional “catch-up” amount to their retirement plans each year.

As you determine your contribution amount, please note the IRS places limits on how much employees can contribute to a retirement plan each year. To contribute a certain amount, such as $100 per paycheck, you can use the calculating tool to convert a dollar amount to a percentage.

Of course, remember that investment returns are not guaranteed and will fluctuate — in some years you may have gains, and in other years you may have losses. But over time, any investment with a net gain will benefit from compounding.

How to Change Your Contribution

While your contribution to the 403(b) Base account is fixed based on your income, you can adjust your contributions to the 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Program and/or the 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan at any time. To do this, login to the EBS Portal with your NetID and password. Select My Benefits from the top navigation, then click on the Benefit/Retirement Enrollment and Changes tile. Select Enroll/Change my Retirement/Health Savings Account Options from the dropdown menu and click Next. On the Savings Plan screen, you’ll be able to edit your contributions to the 403(b) Supplemental and/or 457(b) Deferred Compensation accounts. Make sure you click through all the screens and hit Save to finalize the change to your contributions.

Questions? We encourage you to reach out to Fidelity (800-642-7131) or TIAA (800-732-8353) for your retirement planning questions. Visit the HR website for additional information on the retirement plans offered by MSU.

1 Please note, that the example above is a hypothetical illustration only and is not intended to represent the past or future performance of any investment. The example assumes contributions are made monthly at a 6% annual effective rate, compounded monthly, and no withdrawals. Actual performance will vary with market conditions. Investing involves risk. There is no assurance that the goals will be met or that the solution or strategy will be successful. This example was developed in partnership with TIAA.

2 Certain types of employees are excluded from participating in the 403(b) Retirement Plan. Please see the 403(b) Base Retirement Program Eligibility Chart for more details.

Job of The Week: Office Coordinator III

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This week, MSU Human Resources is featuring a job posting as an Office Assistant III for the College of Communication Arts and Sciences (job posting 1027077). MSU’s College of Communication Arts and Sciences (ComArtSci) is looking for a motivated, detail-oriented, professional, and organized individual to join the Academic and Student Affairs Office. If you are interested in this fast-paced and vital role, this may be the position for you.

ComArtSci is one of the largest and most respected colleges of communication in the nation, as well as the first of its kind. It offers world-class training to students through innovation, dedication, individual strength, and collaboration, all to shape a better tomorrow.

In this position, you will serve as administrative and clerical support for the Academic and Student Affairs Office within ComArtSci. As the Office Assistant, you will support the Directors and Office Coordinator in administering, maintaining, processing, and monitoring records of approximately 4,800 undergraduate students. Additionally, you will greet students, family, and various stakeholders and support the execution of events, communication strategies, and professional development. You should have high proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Drive, and Campus Solutions. 

The education, experience, and skills required for this role include a high school diploma, three to five years of related experience in word processing, spreadsheet, database, and/or desktop publishing software, presentation software, and maintaining account ledgers. 

Desired qualifications include strong multitasking, communication, organizational and technological skills. The ability to work independently is preferred. Experience in an academic and student affairs office or high-volume office setting is also desired. 

Learn more about the College of Communication Arts and Sciences on their website. To learn more about this position or apply, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a resume and cover letter and should be submitted by March 25.

Get Active this Spring: Fitness Resources for MSU Employees

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Warmer weather on the horizon means more opportunities to get outside and get active! If you need some ideas to encourage you and your family get active this spring, the following resources and opportunities are available for MSU employees:

In-person Opportunities

  • Biking: One of the easiest ways to add exercise to your daily routine is to attach it to an activity or habit you perform already, such as your commute to work. MSU Bikes provides support with commuter resources to help you bike to work with confidence, including a 1-on-1 Bike Commuter Assistance service which helps you find the safest, lowest-stress route to and from campus to your neighborhood. MSU Bikes also rents bikes to departments for staff to use during the work day with their Department Fleet Services. Bikes are a great way to get around campus for meetings, lunches, errands, or a nice break! Save the hassle of traffic, offer a healthy alternative for your staff breaks/on-campus transportation, and avoid problems finding car parking by adding a bike to your department transportation fleet. If you’re working remotely, find several Greater Lansing area biking groups to join instead. The MSU Bikes Service Center also offers new and used bikes, rentals (long and short term), as well as a repair service.
  • Sailing, Stand-Up Paddleboarding, and Kayaking: The MSU Sailing Center is located on Lake Lansing in Haslett just east of campus. The Sailing Center strives to provide a safe, supportive, and welcoming learning environment for all participants. Consider participating in one of their many programs, including a learn-to-sail course, paddle sports, group outings, and private lessons. MSU employees can receive a discounted rate for membership.
  • Midday Movement Series: On the third Wednesday of each month, stop by the MSU Library for a variety of classes to help get you moving this spring! From 12:10 to 12:50 p.m., get your move on and bring athletic shoes, water, and a towel. Register here to save your spot.
  • Tennis: At the MSU Tennis Center you can book a court for singles or doubles or participate in one of their adult instructional classes or drill sessions. There’s something for everyone with classes geared toward both beginners and pro-level players.
  • Golf: MSU Forest Akers offers teaching programs for golfers of all ages and abilities, including adult group classes (currently full but waitlist available) or private instruction, and a casual golf league for all skill levels (league is full but fill out the form to sub). MSU employees can also access the golf range and courses at discounted rates.
  • Swimming: Present a valid staff or faculty ID to use one of the pools available on campus for laps or open swimming during designated pool hours.
  • Group Fitness Classes: MSU Recreational Sports and Fitness offers a variety of group fitness classes with membership pricing for MSU employees.

Virtual Opportunities

  • MSU Benefits Plus offers a bunch of fitness and wellness discounts, including gym memberships and personal training. After you log in to MSU Benefits Plus, select Deals from the top navigation, then Gyms and Health Clubs to see all current offerings.
  • Sign up for virtual chair yoga, midday movement series, and Desk Decompress through the Move More @ Work programs provided by University Health and Wellbeing.

Articles and Resources to Increase Motivation:

  • University Health and Wellbeing offers current, evidence-informed information employees can use to further their understanding of fitness. Topics covered include Benefits to Being Physically Active and Ways to Move More During the Workday.

Job of The Week: Health Care Assistant

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This week, MSU Human Resources is featuring a job posting as a Health Care Assistant for MSU Health Care (job posting 1024504). The Health Care Assistant position is vital to the patient care team and crucial to the success of MSU Health Care clinical operations. If you are interested in working under licensed healthcare professionals and being a part of clinical operations, this may be the role for you.

From joint ventures and partnerships to leveraging expansive clinical research and expert educational strengths for patients, MSU Health Care focuses on providing healing and caring to all. MSU Health Care spans 46 adult and pediatric specialties committed to high-quality patient care. Their missions are to deliver a personalized experience and a safe environment for all, train the next generation of clinicians, ensure equitable access, and offer the highest quality of care. MSU Health Care remains dedicated to providing an exceptional experience and enhancing life. 

In this position, you will perform various clinical and managerial tasks within the outpatient clinic. You will be working under the supervision of licensed healthcare professionals and provide support for physicians and other clinicians while implementing high-quality health care. Additionally, you will provide front and back office duties, use a computerized information system, and handle documents. 

The education, experience, and skills required for this role include a high school diploma and six months to one year of work experience performing routine health assessment tests in a medical or clinical office setting. This position also requires experience using word processing and database software and a specified medical course such as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), or Licensed EMT. It is also crucial for you to have knowledge of electronic medical records, patient scheduling systems, and medical billing terminology. 

Desired qualifications include familiarity with medical terminology and experience in scheduling, screening, and confirming medical appointments. You should be willing to work collaboratively and individually with minimal supervision, and have a strong desire to work with a diverse patient population.

 Learn more about MSU Health Care on their website. To learn more about this position or apply, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a resume and cover letter, and should be submitted by March 4.

March Events Round-Up

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If you and your family are looking for events in March, you have come to the right place! Marchholds many opportunities on campus and in the Greater Lansing area for you to check out. Visit the links below to explore upcoming events and register if required.

Campus Events

Throughout March – Women’s History Month Events: Michigan State University annually celebrates Women’s History Month in March. This month-long celebration honors women’s contributions to United States history and highlights the pivotal roles women have played at MSU. Throughout the month, student organizations, offices and units will host events celebrating women with activities, conferences and more.

March 1 – Family Day: NOURISH: The first Saturday of the month means Family Day at the MSU Broad Art Museum!  Join from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to make creative connections with our exhibits and learn more about how art connects to the food in our everyday lives. 

March 1 – Quiet Adventures Symposium: Quiet Adventures Symposium is the country’s longest running indo expo that is dedicated to promoting non motorized outdoor conservation and recreation. Vendors, exhibitors, and guest speakers from across the Midwest will be there sharing the latest in outdoor and adventure products, news, and activities.

March 9 – Midday Movement Series: Take a midday break and stop by the MSU Library for a variety of classes to help get you moving this spring! From 12:10 to 12:50 p.m., get your move on and bring athletic shoes, water, and a towel

March 11 through 16 – Life of Pi: Life of Pi, winner of three Tony Awards and the Olivier Award for Best Play, is an exhilarating story of perseverance and hope that speaks to every generation and “gives a new life to Broadway.” This is the story of a sixteen-year old boy named Pi and his survival on a lifeboat with four companions – a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, and a Royal Bengal Tiger. 

March 12 – ARTIST TALK: Michaela Nichelle: From 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., join Michaela Nichelle, an artist who was part of the first cohort of students to graduate from MSU’s African American and African Studies program in 2024, for a talk on the transformative power of food, community and their view on art. Arrive early to see the artist’s work in person.

March 29 – CĂ©sar Chávez & Dolores Huerta Commemorative Celebration: Learn about the 15th annual celebration and register to honor the legacies of farmworkers and Latinx communities, as well as their history, challenges and progress in the U.S. The event is from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Learning Opportunities

Dates in March and April â€“ Breaking the Cycle Stress and Burnout Support for Women in Academia: This group therapy series is designed for women (all are welcome) in academia seeking relief from the demands of stress, burnout, and overwhelm. Together, we’ll explore evidence-based strategies to complete the stress cycle and develop tools for setting boundaries, fostering resilience, and rediscovering joy in your work.

March 7 – TIPS on Disability Dynamics: Theory, Accessibility, and Practice: Join us from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. for this hybrid learning experience hosted by the Center for Teaching and Learning! Elevate your curriculum development, and learn effective strategies and innovative approaches to being a leader in your community. Registration is required for this free class.

March 11 – Introduction to Gender, Names, and Pronouns: Learn appropriate and respectful ways to use names and pronouns and promote gender inclusivity in the workplace from this course. Understand why safety and privacy surrounding gender, names, and pronouns matter, and become educated on recovering when mistakes happen. This class will be held virtually from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. You can register through EBS.

March 17 – Equitable Hiring Practices Seminar: The Equity and Compliance Team within the Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion is hosting a seminar designed to engage the Spartan community in efforts supporting equal employment opportunity and affirmative actions in diversifying the workplace. Join us in Erikson Hall from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. for a discussion on inclusive practices in the workplace. 

March 21-22 – Malcolm X Centennial Conference: Register for the event (virtual and in-person) and join Dr. Charisse Burden-Stelly, Associate Professor of African American Studies at Wayne State University, who will give a talk called Malcolm X and the Radical Black Tradition of Peace and Human Rights on March 21. Dr. Akinyele Umoja, Professor of African American Studies at Georgia State University, will give a talk called From Malcolm X to Omowale Malik Shabazz: Towards a 21st Century New Afrikan Nationalism on March 22.

March 26 – 25th Annual William G. Anderson Lecture Series with Barbara Ross-Lee, D.O.: Hosted by the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine, listen to Barbara Ross-Lee, a living icon of the American Civil Rights Movement, at the Wharton Center at 5 p.m.

Greater Lansing Area Events

Recurring Sundays – Brunch and Lunch Family Sunday: Join in every Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Lansing Shuffleboard and Social Club. Games are out, and kids of all ages are welcome to come play in video game tournaments, giant jenga and cornhole in the main hall, and brunch specials will be available! 

March 1 and 15 – Contra and Square Dance: All dances are taught and no partner is needed at the Contra and Square Dance class. Wear loose clothes, comfortable shoes, and be prepared to have a good time! Stop by at 6:30 p.m. for a quick and fun dance lesson!

March 15 – St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Visit Downtown Grand Ledge for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. There will be dancers, bagpipes, and more, starting at 2:00 p.m.! 

March 23 – Finders Keepers Vintage Market: The Ingham County Fair Grounds is hosting the Finder’s Keepers Vintage Market with over 150 vendors, an entire food truck rally, free photobooth photos, and free parking. Stop by with your friends and family from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to check out things from handmade crafts to vintage treasures, and more! 

March 27 – Lansing Symphony Orchestra: Visit the Robin Theatre in Lansing for the unique, intimate concerts of contemporary chamber music from the Lansing Symphony Orchestra. 

Family-Friendly Events

March 9 and 19 – Impression 5’s Sensory Friendly Hours: You and your family have the chance to visit the Impression 5 Science Center’s select exhibits altered to reduce sounds, scents, and lighting stimuli. Guests can expect a small group capacity, pop-up activities and maps designated for these select areas.

Friday through Sundays – Abrams Planetarium: The Dark Matter Mystery: Have you ever wondered what keeps galaxies together or why the Universe looks the way it does? Visit the Abrams Planetarium to see a show that takes you on the biggest quest of contemporary astrophysics and learn about Dark Matter and the mysteries behind it!

Recurring Sundays – Abrams Planetarium Children’s Feature Show: Bring your family and friends to the Abrams Planetarium to learn about Celeste: a child fascinated by dinosaurs. Watch her exciting adventure to learn about the start of earth and travel back in time to learn all about dinosaurs and their extension. Tickets coming soon.

Farmers Markets

Recurring Saturdays – Holt Farmers Market: Visit the Delhi Township Fire Department for one of Michigan’s premiere indoor farmers markets. The Holt Farmers market serves as a space to support local farmers and food growers, local artisans, and provide locals the opportunity to purchase wholesome, locally produced foods. 

Every Other Saturday – Meridian Farmers Market: Visit the Meridian Farmers Market inside the Meridian Mall! The market vendors offer farm, food, and crafts, and a majority of the products sold are locally grown or made.

Celebrate Random Acts of Kindness in the Workplace

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No act of kindness is ever wasted. This week is Random Acts of Kindness Week, and Random Acts of Kindness Day is observed annually on February 17th. This day, established in 1995, was created to promote positivity, unity, and harmony across all communities and types of people. By encouraging everyone to engage in random acts of kindness throughout the workplace and in the Spartan community, we can embrace the spirit of the day and continue spreading kindness every other day too!

One small act of kindness can change the course of someone’s day. Whether you are holding the door for a stranger or congratulating your coworker on an achievement, there are so many ways to brighten someone’s day through acts of kindness. Here are some ideas on how to celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day in the workplace and promote connection and positivity between each other: 

  • Show Recognition: To recognize a coworker for their hard work, assistance, or value, give them a shout-out during a team meeting, or send them and/or their supervisor an email to share your experience. You could also nominate a colleague for a Spartan shout-out in the InsideMSU newsletter by filling out this form. 
  • Check-in with your Co-workers: Between the increasing demands of work and home life, people are feeling more stressed than ever. Luckily, studies show there is a powerful antidote to stress: kindness. According to Forbes, “Kindness works because it helps people feel more connected with others, and it distracts them from their own problems. Happiness is significantly correlated with belonging and community—so it makes sense kindness would be a source of joy” (Forbes, 2023). Check-in with your co-workers to see how they’re doing and really listen to determine what small acts of kindness you can do to help brighten their day. Just the act of actively listening with your full attention can do wonders to show others you care and are there to help.
  • Support a New Employee: Starting a new position can be intimidating. Reach out to a new employee and offer your assistance as they navigate their new role. Your support will help them feel welcomed and more connected to the team. 
  • Celebrate Success: Whether your team has just completed a challenging project or it’s a co-worker’s work anniversary, don’t let the moment pass without acknowledging the contribution and value of each team member.  
  • Volunteer: Volunteer work is one of the best ways to promote kindness and positivity in the community. Join Spartans near and far on Give Green Day on March 11 to help current and future students. Find more volunteer opportunities with the Greater Lansing Food Bank, MSU Gardens, Office of Sustainability, MSU Center for Survivors, Office for Civil Rights, Spartans Serve, and more. Volunteering helps foster community, build social bonds, and address social challenges. 
  • Create an Inclusive Environment: Build your cultural awareness and understanding to promote a sense of safety and belonging for all employees. Learn cultural awareness and inclusiveness skills through HR’s OPD courses, elevateU online learning opportunities, and University Health and Wellbeing events and training. 

Together as Spartans, we can contribute to a better workplace and community by embracing the unity and positivity that prospers from kindness.

Job of The Week: Football Athletic Trainer

Published on by Abigail MillerLeave a comment

This week, MSU Human Resources is featuring a job posting for a Football Athletic Trainer III for MSU Athletics (job posting 1022012). If you are interested in managing health care related issues for football athletes, this may be the role for you! 

MSU and its Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is a proud member of the Big 10 Conference sponsoring 23 varsity sports programs, including 11 men’s and 12 women’s teams. The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is committed to operating an athletic program that excels with integrity, positivity, and community. 

In this position, you will work with the team’s physician to coordinate the athletes’ health care, provide information and plans to coaches, evaluate injuries to treat, execute appropriate referrals, design rehabilitation exercises for athletes, and implement return to sport programs, among other duties. You will also be responsible for ensuring safety and preventing injuries by designing special pads and performing equipment checks, following all policies and procedures, and collaborating with Sports Performance and Nutrition personnel. 

The education, experience, and skills desired for this role include a Master’s degree in Physical Education and five to eight years of related experience in all aspects of athletic training. You will also need a certification from the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA). Additional experience as Head Football Athletic Trainer is preferred. 

Learn more about MSU Intercollegiate Athletics here. To learn more about this position or apply, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a resume and should be submitted by February 25.